M2 Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches Round Tip

These M2 steel ball-lock pilot punches are used in injection-mold and stamping-style tooling workflows where consistent registration is critical during repeated punch cycles. The ball-lock pilot mechanism improves alignment retention, helping maintain locating accuracy as loads cycle through the press.

• Progressive die and blanking: Use the round-tip pilot geometry to center and start the punch reliably, reducing misalignment at high repetition rates. The hard, wear-resistant M2 construction supports longer locating service life.
• Automotive connector/terminal tooling: When punching features in thick sections or demanding inch standards, the controlled engagement of the ball-lock pilot supports stable part-to-die register across successive operations.
• Medical and device component housings (low-to-medium volume): For small, precision cavities that require repeatable positioning, select the appropriate shank diameter and point length so the pilot contacts at the intended depth during every cycle.

Choose the specified shank diameter range and coded point length options to match your press platen/die interface geometry for dependable fit.

This variant uses M2 high-speed steel, selected for its combination of wear resistance and toughness under cutting/contact loads. In tool steel terms, M2 is commonly aligned with AISI M2 equivalents, providing strong performance in abrasive, repetitive contacting conditions typical of pilot locating systems.

For manufacturing, these punches are typically produced by machining from M2 bar/stock followed by a heat treatment route such as quench and temper to reach the required hardness for wear resistance while retaining enough toughness to resist chipping at the round tip.

• M2: Higher wear resistance; good balance of hardness and toughness for repeated locating and frictional contact.
• PS4 (optional material option): Offered as an alternative grade; select based on your required wear/toughness balance and application environment, since both grades may be used depending on manufacturer configuration.

Hardness values are not provided in the input data; confirm target HRC with the supplier for your specific configuration and load profile.

Select the punch by matching the shank diameter (D) and the point length/overall length code to your mold or die register requirements. From the provided ranges, the shank diameter spans 37 ~ 125 in, and the coded point length & length (L) options are 250 ~ 600, 250 ~ 700, 275 ~ 700, and 300 ~ 700 (multiple coding options reflect different B/C/D configurations).

• Match D to the guide/receiver feature: Ensure the pilot shank fits the corresponding guide bore or locating hole. If you have specified fit classes, verify the clearance so the ball-lock retains location without binding.
• Set the engagement depth using point length: Choose the B/C/D point length code (and L code) so the round tip reaches the intended contact position during each cycle.
• Verify length for stack-up: Account for platen, die thickness, and any spacer stack-up so the pilot maintains proper alignment throughout the stroke.

Dimensions are provided as range-coded options (not single fixed sizes), so pick the configuration that corresponds to your required engagement and interface geometry.